Online fraud leaves Prince George, B.C., out cash

RCMP say the City of Prince George has become the victim of a significant fraud.

The city called police in September when staff sent two payments to a contractor for more than $700,000, but the cash was never received.

Police say the money was fraudulently redirected.

The Mounties say in a news release investigators worked with financial institutions to recover most of one payment, but $375,000 remains lost.

They say officers are following several leads and working with international partners to identify those responsible for the sophisticated computer-based fraud.

Cpl. Craig Douglass says there are no indications that the city was hacked or that personal information was compromised.